Fall 2024 Enrollment

Graduate School of Environmental & Symbiotic Sciences
Application Guide for Admission Guidelines(PhD Program)

Selection Method for Non-Japanese(Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarshipfor Research on Mercury)Prefectural University of Kumamoto

Fall 2024 Enrollment
Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarshipfor Research on Mercury

Contents
Admission Policy of Graduate School of Environmental & Symbiotic Sciences

1

List of Entrance Examination Dates & Admission Quota……………………………………

3

Application Guide for Admission (PhD Program)

1 Admission Quota ……………………………………………………………………………………………………

4

2 Qualification of Applicants …………………………………………………………………………………

4

3 Application Conditions……………………………………………………………

5

4 Application Period……………………………………………………………………………………………………

5

5 Application Procedures …………………………………………………………………………………………

6

6 Selection Method………………………………………………………………………………………………………

8

7 To applicants who wish to take the oral examination using a videoconferencing application through the internet…………………………………………..

10

8 Screening of Applicants ………………………………………………………………

11

9 Announcement of Examination Results……………………………………………………………

12

10 Enrollment Procedure ……………………………………………………………………………………………

13

11 Tuition…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 14
12 Disclosing Examination Results to Applicants………………………………………………

14

13 Handling of Personal Information ……………………………………………………………………

15

14 Other Information……………………………………………………………………………………………………

15

15 Inquiries………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

15

Outline of the Graduate School of Environmental & Symbiotic
Sciences (PhD Program)…………………………………………………………………………………………

16

List of Instructors for Special Seminar …………………………………………………………

18

Contents Of Courses…………………………………………………………………………………

19

Outline of the International Postgraduate Scholarshipfor Research on Mercury…………………………………………………………………………………………
Application Documents

27

Fall 2024 Enrollment
Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarshipfor Research on Mercury

Admission Policy of Graduate School of Environmental &Symbiotic Sciences
1 Goals for Human Resources Development● PhD Program(1) Human Resources Development for Professions
Since the social demand for skilled professionals with advanced knowledge ofenvironmental issues is quite strong, we aim to foster highly-specialized experts
with specialized and academic knowledge of environmental symbiosis, with thegoal of placing them in leadership positions.
(2) Fostering Researchers
We aim to foster knowledgeable professionals who can play active roles as
educational researchers in environmental fields at universities and academia as awhole, or who can play active roles in leadership positions at public research
institutions or corporate labs.
(3) Higher Education in Specialized Fields for Adults
By promoting open-door policies for adults, we aim to provide opportunities toreexamine adults' specialized fields from environmental points of view, and foster
trained professionals who have wide and specialized knowledge of environmental
symbiosis.
(4) Fostering Non-JapaneseAccepting adult students with master’s degrees (or comparable academic
ability) from overseas, we aim to foster trained professionals prepared forleadership positions who have learned basic principles, gained specialized
knowledge, and mastered techniques of environmental symbiosis.
2 Human Resources Sought● PhD Program
Based on the philosophy of the Graduate School of Environmental & Symbiotic
Sciences, we seek postgraduates who, through the completion of a Master’s-1-Fall 2024 Enrollment
Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarshipfor Research on Mercury

Degree Program, have acquired basic academic ability, specialized knowledge,
and presentation/language skills in their area of expertise, and also who show
aspirations to do further advanced research; or persons who have practical R&D(research and development) experience in fields related to environmental andsymbiotic sciences.
3 Entrance Examination
We evaluate students’ examination papers holistically by an achievement test
(English, Specialized Subject), an interview, and screening of the documents(Research plan, etc.).

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Fall 2024 Enrollment
Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarshipfor Research on Mercury

Entrance Examination Dates & Admission Quota(Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarship for
Research on Mercury)

PhD Program【Entrance Examination Dates】
Qualification

Application

Entrance

Announcement

Enrollment

Screening of

Examinationof Examination

Procedures

Applicants

Date

Results

Fall

From

From

Saturday,Tuesday, July

From

Enrollment

Monday,Tuesday,

July 6,16, 2024

Monday,April 8 to

May 7 to2024

Friday, April

Friday, May

9 to Friday,

12, 2024

17, 2024

September* Results will

*Applicant

13, 2024bescreeningannounced

results andby Friday,

an admission

April 26,

ticket will be

2024

sent by
Friday, June
7, 2024【Admission Quota】
Fall
Enrollment

2 students-3-

September

Fall 2024 Enrollment
Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarshipfor Research on Mercury

PhD Program, Graduate School of Environmental & Symbiotic Sciences,
Prefectural University of Kumamoto (Fall 2024 Enrollment)
Selection Method for Non-Japanese Students(Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarshipfor Research on Mercury)

1 Admission Quota
Division of Environmental & Symbiotic Sciences: 2 students
2 Qualification of ApplicantsThose who wish to be admitted to the PhD Program must meet the conditions
and one of the following qualifications.
(1) Applicants who have a master’s or professional degree, or are expected to beawarded one by September, 2024.
(2) Applicants who have a master’s or professional degree from a school overseas,or are expected to be awarded one by September, 2024.
(3) Applicants who have a master’s or professional degree by taking subjects in an
overseas correspondence course in Japan, or are expected to be awarded one
by September, 2024.
(4) Applicants who have a master’s or professional degree, or are expected to beawarded one by September, 2024, after completing a program at an
educational institution in Japan which is recognized by the overseas country as
having a graduate program and which is deemed eligible by the Japanese
Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
(5) Applicants who are designated eligible by the Minister of Education, Culture,
Sports, Science and Technology (Ministry of Education Notification No. 118,
1989).
(6) Applicants who are recognized by the Graduate School of Environmental andSymbiotic Science as having academic aptitude equal to or higher than that ofa master’s or professional degree holder, as verified by individual admission
qualification screening, and are at least 24 years of age.
(Note) Qualification Screening are will be conducted prior to the application
period for applicants who fall under conditions (5) or (6).

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Fall 2024 Enrollment
Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarshipfor Research on Mercury

Screened applicants who have valid qualification results do not need to bescreened again. Please refer to “Applying after Screening of Applicants” onpage 8.
3 Application Conditions(1) Applicants must not have Japanese nationality. In addition, people withforeign nationality with permanent residence in Japan or foreign students
studying advanced degrees in Japan are may not apply. See (2) for more details.
(2) Applicants must have nationalities of the following countries and regions

regarded as having mercury-related environmental issues.
a) Asia – People's Republic of Bangladesh, Kingdom of Cambodia, People's
Republic of China, India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iraq,
Mongolia, Republic of the Philippines, Kingdom of Thailand,
Taiwanb) Africa – Republic of Kenya, Republic of Seychelles, United Republic of
Tanzaniac) Europe – Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republicd) Latin America - Federative Republic of Brazile) Other countries or regions that the president accredits as advancing

countries, developing countries, or regions which are regarded as
requiring environmental measures on mercury.
(3) Applicants should be age 35 or under as of April 1, 2024. However,applicants admitted by the president are excepted.
(4) Applicants must be prepared to conduct research on mercury at the

Collaborative Graduate School with a will to be involved with mercury
measures in their home country or an international organization after
graduation.
(5) Applicants must have sufficient English proficiency to study and conduct

research.
(6) Applicants must not have a scholarship from the Japanese government,

home countries’ governments, or other private foundations.
4 Application Period
From Tuesday, May 7 to Friday, May 17, 2024
Applications must arrive at our Academic Affairs and Entrance
Examinations Division by 17:00 on Friday, May 17, 2024, in person or-5-

Fall 2024 Enrollment
Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarshipfor Research on Mercury

by mail. Applications which have not arrived by the deadline will not be
accepted under any circumstances. Applicants should submit them well inadvance.
If application documents are brought in person, they will be accepted from9:00 to 17:00 (except from 12:20 to 13:20).
5 Application Procedures(1) Application Method
Applicants must submit the documents described in (2) below in person or
by mail. If application documents are sent by mail, they should be sent by
EMS.
(2) Application Documents① Application for

On the prescribed form by the Graduate School

Admission② Admission Ticket

On the prescribed form by the Graduate School

and Photo Sheet(The photo must have been taken within three months ofapplying, with a full-face view directly facing the camera
without a hat against a plain background. Please write
your full name on the back of the photograph.)③ Curriculum Vitae

On the form prescribed by the Graduate School④ Research Plan

On the form prescribed by the Graduate School
Summary indicating the research process such as
master’s thesis and research plan on mercury research* Please attach a detailed research plan.

⑤ Official Transcript

Official transcript issued by the latest university or school(Sealed)(original copy only).

※Excluding those* Please attach an English translation for

who apply based ontranscripts issued in other languages.

one of the application
qualifications listed in2(5) and (6).
⑥ Graduation

Certificate issued by the last university or school (original

Certificate or

copy only).

Expected Graduation* Please attach an English translation for

Certificate

transcripts issued in other languages.

※Excluding those-6-

Fall 2024 Enrollment
Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarshipfor Research on Mercury

who apply based on
one of the application
qualifications listed in2(5) and (6).
⑦ In case the name on the Graduation Certificate is different from the applicants’present name, please attach proof of change of name.
⑧ Recommendation

Recommendation Letter from a supervisor at the

Lettergraduate school (from the employer if employed at thetime of application).

⑨ Confirmation

Summary of preliminary consultation with theSheet on Preliminary

prospective supervisor’s signature and seal

Consultation⑩ In principle, applicants who fall under condition (5) or (6) on page 4 and use
current results of qualification screening need to submit: a copy of Approval
Notice of Application Qualification; Official Transcript; and a Graduation
Certificate or Expected Graduation Certificate.
*Please refer to “Applying after Qualification Screening” below.

Applying after Qualification Screening- Qualification of Applicants (5) or (6)-Submitting a certificate and an official transcript for applying
When applicants are deemed eligible for application after applying for
qualification screening for the 2024 Entrance Examinations, Graduation
Certificate and Official Transcript will be omitted from the list of required
documents for the 2024 Entrance Examinations application only.

-

Validity period for the result of Qualification Screening
The result of Qualification Screening certifying eligibility is valid for 5 years.
When applying during the period of validity, please attach a copy of the“Approval Notification of Application Qualification”.

(3) Place of Submission
Entrance Examination Section for Graduate School, Academic Affairs andEntrance Examinations Division, Prefectural University of Kumamoto
3-1-100 Tsukide, Higashi-ku, Kumamoto, 862-8502, Japan(4) Admission Ticket for Examination
An admission ticket for examination will be sent to applicants by mail by-7-

Fall 2024 Enrollment
Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarshipfor Research on Mercury

Friday, June 7, 2024, regardless of whether the applicant brought theapplication documents in person or by mail.
Please contact the Academic Affairs and Entrance Examination Division(TEL +81-96-321-6610) if the admission ticket has not arrived by the day, or
if you lost the ticket before the day of the entrance examination.
(5) Application Consideration① Prescribed forms by the Graduate School in “5(2) Application Documents”
on page 6 and “8(1) Documents to be Submitted” on page 11 are available
for downloading from our university’s website. Please print the PDF on
A4-sized white paper.
Website address https://www.pu-kumamoto.ac.jp/nyusi/graduate/② Applicants must contact the Academic Affairs and Entrance
Examination Division first to get instructions. Then, applicantsmust contact prospective supervisors on the list of instructors on the
Application Guide for Admission or the university’s website before
undertaking application procedures.
Entrance Examination Section for Graduate School, Academic Affairs andEntrance Examination Division, Prefectural University of Kumamoto
3-1-100 Tsukide, Higashi-ku, Kumamoto, 862-8502, Japan
E-mail nyusi@pu-kumamoto.ac.jp
Be sure to write the name of the supervisor in the “Desired supervisor” on
the Application Form. The actual supervisor will be subject to change after
enrollment.
③ If a false statement is found in the documents, authorization of admission
will be revoked.
④ Application documents are non-returnable under any circumstances.
⑤ Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
6 Selection Method
The selection of applicants will be based on the overall results of our written
and oral examinations, interviews, and document screenings.
(1) Written Examination
English(2) Oral Examination-8-

Fall 2024 Enrollment
Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarshipfor Research on Mercury

The interview consists of a presentation focused on your master’s thesis(including the process) or the other results of your research followed byquestions related to your presentation. (Your presentation must include theresults of your past research and your research plan on mercury study for theDoctoral course.)(3) Examination Date
Date

Subjects

Time

Written Examination

EnglishSaturday,

Oral Examination

July 6, 2024

(Including a

Point
Allocation

10:00 - 11:30

Total

100
200

13:00 -

research

100

presentation)

Note 1: Please assemble on the 1st floor lobby in our Administration Building by
9:30.
2: The Oral Examination schedule will be displayed on campus on the day.
3: Late arrivals up to 30 minutes will be admitted after the scheduled startof the English examination.
(4) Place of Examination
Prefectural University of Kumamoto
3-1-100 Tsukide, Higashi-ku, Kumamoto, 862-8502, Japan
TEL:+81-96-321-6610(5) Oral Examination① A presentation focused on your master’s thesis (including the process) or
the other results of your research: 30 minutes② Question-and-Answer session regarding the presentation (including
questions related to your research field): 20 minutes③ An LCD projector will be available for your presentation. The university will
provide a computer and a projector. Applicants are required to bring a USB
memory device or CDs and PDF data. (There is no maximum limit for thenumber of presentation slides.)(6) Evaluation Criteria
EnglishApplicants will be evaluated according to their English abilities
related to their specialized fields.

Oral

Applicants will be evaluated according to their knowledge,

Examinationconsideration, motivation, and research accomplishments and-9-Fall 2024 Enrollment
Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarshipfor Research on Mercury

abilities for the specialized fields after explaining the past researchand the research plan.
(7) Acceptance Criteria① Successful applicants will be those who scored more than approximately
60% of the total score.
② Applicants who have an excellent score in one of the subjects may besuccessful even though the total score falls short of the standards.
However, applicants who have results less than 30% will not be successful
in the event of any of ① or ②.
7 To applicants who wish to take the oral examination using a videoconferencing application through the internet(1) If there is at least one applicant who wishes to take the oral examination using
video conferencing applications through the internet, the oral examination
will be conducted online for all applicants. Applicants who wish to take theexamination online must notify the office during the application period.
(2) If the examination is to be conducted online, the office shall contact all
applicants promptly after the end of the application period.
(3) The English exam is conducted through an oral examination in English andapplicants are evaluated according to their English abilities for the specialized
fields.
(4) The examination will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024 and the detailed
schedule will be set in consideration of the local time in the applicants’countries of residence. Late arrivals up to 20 minutes will be admitted after
the scheduled start of the oral examination.
(5) Examination Date
Date

Subjects

Time

Point
Allocation

Total

Oral Examination(Including a

Saturday,
July 6, 2024

50 minutes

research

100(Start time ispresentation)

200

announced

English(Oral Examination
in English)- 10 -

separately)100Fall 2024 Enrollment
Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarshipfor Research on Mercury(6) Oral Examination① A presentation that is focused on your master’s thesis (including theprocess) or the other results of your research: 30 minutes② Question-and-Answer session regarding the presentation (including
questions related to your research field): 20 minutes③ Live video conference (Teams, Skype, or other compatible with Teams)
through the internet is used.
④ Applicants must submit your presentation data for oral presentation to theoffice by e-mail until one week before the examination day (Friday, June 28,2024). The data will be used for the oral presentation.
(7) For evaluation and acceptance criteria, see “6 Selection Method”.
8 Screening of Applicants
For applicants who wish to apply for admission under Qualification ofApplicant (5) or (6), a screening of applicants will be conducted.
(1) Documents to be Submitted① Application for Screening of Applicants(on the form prescribed by the Graduate School)② Curriculum Vitae (on the form prescribed by the Graduate School)③ Official Transcripts (issued by the latest and present university or theschool, including credit hours) *original copy only
④ Degree Certificate or Graduation Certificate (issued by the last university
or the school)⑤ Details of your Research, Education, Professional Experiences, Social
Activities, etc. (on the form prescribed by the Graduate School).
Please submit the details of your Research, Education, Professional
Experiences, Social Activities, etc. Also please submit separate prints (orcopies) of your thesis or report if you have any.
⑥ Research Plan (on the form prescribed by the Graduate School)
A summary of your desired research (single spaced)⑦ Copy of certificate to prove the name change * if applicable
Please attach a copy of the certificate if the name on the official transcript
and the degree (graduation) certificate are different from the present one.
* Prescribed forms by the Graduate School in ①, ②, ⑤, and ⑥ are available- 11 -

Fall 2024 Enrollment
Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarshipfor Research on Mercury

for downloading from the university’s website. Please print the PDF on
A4-sized white paper.
Website address: https://www.pu-kumamoto.ac.jp/nyusi/graduate/(2) Screening Method
Examination of submitted documents ((1) ①～⑦).
(3) Application Period for Qualification Screening
From Monday, April 8 to Friday, April 12, 2024
(Note) Applications must arrive at the Academic Affairs and Entrance
Examination Division by 17:00 on Friday, April 12, 2024, in person or
by mail.
If application documents are brought in person, they will be accepted from9:00 to 17:00 (excluding from 12:20 to 13:20). Applications which have notarrived there by the deadline will not be accepted under any circumstances.
Applicants should submit them well in advance.
If application documents are sent by mail, they should be sent by registeredexpress mail (EMS), with “Application Form for Qualification Screening, PhD
Program, Graduate School of Environmental & Symbiotic Sciences (Fall
Enrollment)” written in red on the envelope.
(Place of Submission)
Entrance Examination Section for Graduate School, Academic Affairs
and Entrance Examination Division, Prefectural University of
Kumamoto
3-1-100 Tsukide, Higashi-ku, Kumamoto, 862-8502, Japan(4) Results of Qualification Screening
Results of qualification screening will be sent to applicants by Friday, April 26,
2024.
(Note) Please refer to page 6 when you apply for admission after the qualification
screening.
9 Announcement of Examination Results
13:30 or later, Tuesday, July 16, 2024
The successful applicants’ examinee numbers will be announced on our
website（https://www.pu-kumamoto.ac.jp/nyusi/graduate/）and the results will
also be mailed only to successful applicants. (Inquiries regarding theexamination results will not be accepted over the phone.)
A letter of acceptance is the formal notice from the university.

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Fall 2024 Enrollment
Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarshipfor Research on Mercury

10 Enrollment Procedure
Successful applicants need to submit the required documents along with anacceptance letter, as well as the admission fee. The payment due date for theadmission fee will be announced later.
The scholarship amount equivalent to the enrollment fee is supposed to be
paid to the scholarship recipient as part of the scholarship for Research on
Mercury. The recipient can use it to pay the enrollment fee. However, in case thebudget for the scholarship is rejected, the full amount of the scholarship will not
be paid. In that case, the applicant will be notified by one day prior to the date of
the selection.
(1) Procedure Period
From Monday, September 9 to Friday, September 13, 2024.
*① Office hours are from 9:00 to 17:00. (Lunch break is from 12:20 to
13:20)② If enrollment documents are sent by mail, they must arrive by 17:00 on
Friday, September 13, 2024.
③ Necessary documents for the enrollment procedure which have notarrived by the deadline will not be accepted under any circumstances.
Applicants should submit them well in advance.
④ Those who fail to complete the enrollment procedure by the deadline will
be deemed to have declined the offer of enrollment.
(2) Place (Mailing Address)
Entrance Examination Section for Graduate School, Academic Affairs andEntrance Examination Division, Prefectural University of Kumamoto
3-1-100 Tsukide, Higashi-ku, Kumamoto, 862-8502, Japan(3) Documents to be Submitted
Documents must be submitted in person or by mail, and if they are sent by
mail, they should be sent by EMS.
① Pledge(Pledge on Mercury Research should be submitted separately to
Kumamoto Prefecture.)(4) Admission Fee (as of 2024)¥414,000
The payment date for the admission fee will be announced later.
(Note) If you decide to withdraw your enrollment after completion of the- 13 -

Fall 2024 Enrollment
Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarshipfor Research on Mercury

enrollment procedure, please contact the Academic Affairs andEntrance Examination Division by Friday, September 13, 2024. You
need to submit an Enrollment Withdrawal Form.
Admission fees are non-refundable under any circumstances except
when the applicants have not completed the procedure.
11 Tuition Fee (as of 2024)
Annual tuition fee: ¥535,800 (to be paid in two installments)
The payment deadline for the tuition fee and others will be announced later.
(Note) If the tuition fee and the due date are revised during the student’s
period of study, the revised tuition and the date will be applicablefrom the date of revision. The scholarship amount equivalent to the tuition
fees is also supposed to be paid to the recipient of the Scholarship for
Research on Mercury. The recipient can use that money to pay the tuition fees.
However, in case the budget for the scholarship is rejected, the full amount of
the scholarship will not be paid. In that case, the applicant will be notified by
one day prior to the date of the selection.
12 Disclosing Examination Results to Applicants(1) Disclosed Information
Scores: Total scores in each examination subject
Ranking: The results and the ranking will be disclosed to applicants who did
not pass the examination only when there are more than 10
applicants who did not pass.
Unsuccessful applicants will be ranked A (upper third), B (middle
third), or C (lower third) according to the grades.
(2) Disclosure Period and Time
From Friday, July 19 to Monday, August 19, 2024
Office hours are from 9:00 to 17:00 (Lunch break is from 12:20 to 13:20).
Results are not available on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
(3) Disclosure Method and Place
Applicants who took the entrance examination should come to the Prefectural
University of Kumamoto and request the disclosure of the examination results
orally at the Academic Affairs and Entrance Examination Division. (Proxies are
not allowed to request disclosure.)- 14 -

Fall 2024 Enrollment
Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarshipfor Research on Mercury

Please bring your admission ticket as proof of identity.
13 Handling of Personal Information
Personal information submitted to the Prefectural University of Kumamoto in
the form of applications and enrollment documents, and grades and results ofentrance examinations, are properly managed in accordance with the relevantlaws regarding the protection of personal information.
Personal information is used only for selecting applicants for admission,enrollment procedures, registration, student support, and surveys and research,and is not used for purposes other than the ones mentioned above Nor is itprovided to third parties.
When applicants request disclosure of entrance examination results, they will
be disclosed based on the relevant laws regarding the protection of personal
information.

14 Other Information
Applicants with physical disabilities who therefore require special assistanceduring the exam and/or during the period of study should contact our Academic
Affairs and Entrance Examination Division by Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
15 Inquiries
Please contact the Academic Affairs and Entrance Examination Division bye-mail if you have any questions. Only e-mail is accepted.
Academic Affairs and Entrance Examination Division
Prefectural University of Kumamoto
E-mail: nyusi@pu-kumamoto.ac.jp- 15 -

Fall 2024 Enrollment
Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarshipfor Research on Mercury

Outline of Graduate School of Environmental & Symbiotic
Sciences (PhD Program)
1 Curriculum Configuration
Our Graduate School’s curriculum is designed with three Special Seminars
and one Special Research to achieve our philosophy and Human Resources
Development.
Students should take one course chosenfrom eight themes.
researchmethods

They should learn
relatedtomaterial

moving states and interrelated influence inSpecial Seminar on
Ecology-Related
Environmental
Symbiosis

the ecosystem including water, geosphere,
and atmosphere. They also should aim tounderstand the methods to maintain andmanage sustainable and high biologicalproductivity,

biologicaldiversity,

andecosystems. Also, students can choose
research on mercury at the Collaborative
Graduate School with National Institute for
Minamata Disease.
SpecialStudents should take one course chosen

Seminarfrom six themes.
Special Seminar on
Residence-Related
Environmental
Symbiosis

Thinking extensively

about the people’s act of living on the earth
as “Residence”, they should consider themeaningofthesymbiotic

residential

environment with nature and society. They
alsoshouldaim

foracquiring

specific

methods to realize an environmental andsymbiotic society.
Special Seminar on
Food and
Health-Related
Environmental
Symbiosis

Students should take one course chosenfrom nine themes to acquire the specificmethods.

From an environmental andsymbiotic

viewpoint,understandthe

students

importanceshouldoffood

resources and various food and health- 16 -

Fall 2024 Enrollment
Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarshipfor Research on Mercury

environmental

factors

comprehensively,

and aim to create a recycling society,working for people’s health maintenanceand disease prevention. Also, students canchooseresearchon

mercuryattheCollaborative Graduate School with the
National Institute for Minamata Disease.
Students should choose a highly-specialized specific researchSpecialproject from the point of view of environmental & symbiotic

Researchscience and complete a doctoral thesis through experimentations,surveys, analysis, and the like.

2 Regular course term
3 years
3 Day/Evening Course System
With an increased need for new specialized knowledge and the increased
expectation for high Recurrent Education among adults, we provide aday/evening course to accept adults. In particular, for the PhD program,Special Research (for adults, including Special Seminar) is conducted inprinciple at night (18:00-21:10).

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Fall 2024 Enrollment
Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarshipfor Research on Mercury

Special Seminar on Foodand Health-Related
Environmental Symbiosis

Special Seminar on
Residence-Related
Environmental Symbiosis

Special Seminar on
Ecology-Related Environmental
Symbiosis

List of Instructors for Special Seminar

Scheduled for fiscal 2024
Theme in Special Seminar※１

Position

Name

Professor

AGUSA, Tetsuro

Precise Measurement
Chemicals

Professor

ISHIBASHI, Yasuhiro

Environmental Resource
Circulation

Professor

ICHINOMIYA, Mutsuo

Marine Life Production

Professor

ZHANG, Daizhou

Atmospheric Aerosols

Professor

KOBAYASHI, Jun

Management and Circulation
Environmental Substances

Professor

MATSUZOE, Naotaka※２

Botanical Resources Production and
Use

Associate
Professor

KOMORITA, Tomohiro

Coastal Ecosystem

Professor

KITAHARA, Akio※３

Professor

SHIBATA, Yu

Rural Planning

Professor

TAKAHASHI, Hironobu

Spatial Design

Professor

TANAKA, Akio※３

Professor

TSUJIHARA, Makihiko

Professor

LI, Li

Associate
Professor

CHEONG,IljiCity Planning

Professor

AOKI, Tomoko

Motor Control

Professor

SHIMODA, Seiya

Clinical Manifestation Management

Professor

SHIRATSUCHI, Hideki

Functional Food Analysis

Professor

TOMOYORI, Hiroko

Nutrition Functions of Food

Professor

MATSUSAKI, Hiromi

Applied Microbiology

Professor

MATSUMOTO, Naoyuki

Physiology of Human Adaptation

Associate
Professor

ANAN, Yasumi

Trace

of

Timber Construction &Structures

Architecture
andEnvironmental
Management
Passive Environmental
Conditioning
Spatial Structure

Food Resources Safety※1 Please refer to pages 19-26 for the themes in Special Seminar.
※2 Scheduled to retire in March 2026
※3 Scheduled to retire in March 2025

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forFall 2024 Enrollment
Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarshipfor Research on Mercury

Contents of Courses
Course Title
Special Seminar on
Ecology-Related
Environmental
Symbiosis

Contents
Students should take one course chosen from eightthemes. They should learn research methods related tomaterial moving states and interrelated influence in theecosystem including water, geosphere, and atmosphere.
They also should aim for understanding the methods tomaintain and manage sustainable and high biologicalproductivity, biological diversity, and ecosystems.
Theme 1: Precise Measurement for Trace Chemicals【Content】
The instructor lectures analytical technique of tracechemicals that are physicochemically and biologicallychanged in the environment and evaluation of effects on
ecosystem by those chemicals.
【Instructor】
AGUSA, Tetsuro, Professor
Theme 2: Environmental Resource Circulation【Content】
As a point of law carbon and resource circulation, students
should understand the recycling process of waste products
and new energy manufacturing processes using biomass.
【Instructor】
ISHIBASHI, Yasuhiro, Professor
Theme 3: Marine Life Production【Content】
While understanding the structure and function of thelower trophic level ecosystem that supports the high fisheryproduction in the ocean area around Japan, this course
discusses how marine life resources should be usedsustainably.
【Instructor】
ICHINOMIYA, Mutsuo, Professor
Theme 4: Management and Circulation of Environmental
Substances【Content】
This course offers explanations for trace environmental
pollutants—their existence, behaviors and toxicity impact
assessment methods—in order to make students
understand the health impact assessment for ecosystemand human beings as well as disposal methods andappropriate management/operation procedures of chemical
substances.
【Instructor】
KOBAYASHI, Jun, Professor- 19 -

Fall 2024 Enrollment
Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarshipfor Research on Mercury

Course Title
Special Seminar on
Ecology-Related
Environmental
Symbiosis

Contents
Theme 5: Atmospheric Aerosols【Content】
The instructor gives an outline of the latest survey data
and methods of analysis on atmospheric pollutants.
Students should understand the current situation of survey
research on air quality problems based on observation
examples.
【Instructor】
ZHANG, Daizhou, Professor
Theme 6: Botanical Resources Production and Use【Content】
The instructor gives the concept and the technique of thelatest approach on food production.
Students should
understand the agricultural production methods in global
and regional environment.
【Instructor】
MATSUZOE, Naotaka, Professor
Theme 7: Coastal Ecosystem【Content】
The instructor gives an outline of the marine environment& the ecological construction and function of coastal shallow
sea areas including tidal flats, along with the concrete
examples of Ariake Bay, Yatsushiro Bay, etc. Students
should understand the theory and method of coastal
ecosystem.
【Instructor】
KOMORITA, Tomohiro, Associate Professor- 20 -

Fall 2024 Enrollment
Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarshipfor Research on Mercury

Course Title
Special Seminar on
Residence-Related
Environmental
Symbiosis

Contents
Students should take one course chosen from six themes.
Thinking extensively about the people’s act of living on theearth as “Residence”, they should consider the meaning of
the symbiotic residential environment with nature andsociety.
They also should aim for requiring specificmethods to realize an environmental and symbiotic society.
Theme 1: Timber Construction & Structures【Content】
Students consider the possibility of timber, which is arenewable structural material, and the usages forresidential environmental from the aspect of constructions.
【Instructor】
KITAHARA, Akio, Professor
Theme 2: Rural Planning【Content】
This course explores future directions of Japanese farming
and fishing villages in the new era through understanding
multifaceted functions and sustainable mechanism offarming/fishing/mountain village areas, learning fromexamples of Japan and abroad.
【Instructor】
SHIBATA, Yu, Professor
Theme 3: Spatial Design【Content】
Students should focus on sensuousness in spatial design,and learn knowledge on Japanese art which differ fromwestern art from thought, culture, history and regionality,
and consider future Japanese spatial design.
【Instructor】
TAKAHASHI, Hironobu, Professor
Theme 4: Architecture and Environmental Management【Content】
By quantifying the point of view of the various influencesof actions to maintain the internal environment which
affects the external environment, we will examine the waysof architecture and environmental management in terms of
the symbiosis of architecture and the environment.
【Instructor】
TANAKA, Akio, Professor- 21 -

Fall 2024 Enrollment
Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarshipfor Research on Mercury

Course Title
Special Seminar on
Residence-Related
Environmental
Symbiosis

Contents
Theme 5: Passive Environmental Conditioning【Content】
Students consider the sustainable development & energy
consumption and the relationships between human health &comfort from the perspective of residential environmental
conditioning.
【Instructor】
TSUJIHARA, Makihiko, Professor
Theme 6: Spatial Structure【Content】
Students learn knowledge of spatial structure system,
construction design, and evaluation of structural safety
which is subject to external impact by natural disasters suchas earthquakes and typhoons.
【Instructor】
LI, Li, Professor
Theme 7: City Planning【Content】
Students are involved in the practices on community,
renovation, DIY, public space, social experiment, renovationof vacant houses, area management, sightseeing, circular
economy, while aiming at developing sustainablecommunities.
【Instructor】
CHEONG, Ilji, Associate Professor- 22 -

Fall 2024 Enrollment
Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarshipfor Research on Mercury

Course Title
Special Seminar on
Food and
Health-Related
Environmental
Symbiosis

Contents
Students should take one course chosen from seven
themes to acquire the specific methods. From a point ofenvironmental and symbiotic view, students should
understand the importance of food resources and various
food and health environmental factors comprehensively,
and strive to create a recycling society, working for people’s
health maintenance and disease prevention.
Theme 1: Motor Control【Content】
Students should understand the mechanism of thenervous system and skeletal muscles which enable skillful
and appropriate movements in human.
【Instructor】
AOKI, Tomoko, Professor
Theme 2: Clinical Manifestation Management【Content】
From the point of view of medicine, nutrition andpharmacy, students should understand origin and diseasestate of each disease such as diabetes, obesity, metabolic
syndrome and endocrine disease. And student should
examine and consider new prophylaxis, diagnosis and curebased on the newest knowledge on the disease state
control.
【Instructor】
SHIMODA, Seiya, Professor
Theme 3: Functional Food Analysis【Content】
Students should understand the analysis and evaluation
method of various food components on food function andconsider the construction of a recycling society through thefunctional foods, the functional material, functional
material, and high-quality food material invention which
maintain and raise health.
【Instructor】
SHIRATSUCHI, Hideki, Professor
Theme 4: Nutrition Functions of Food【Content】
Explores and evaluates how food originated nutrients andfunctional ingredients have influence on the body, also
examinestheprevention
andimprovementoflifestyle-related disease. We will also study on the practicaluse of the system on “Function Claims” of food.
【Instructor】
TOMOYORI, Hiroko, Professor- 23 -

Fall 2024 Enrollment
Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarshipfor Research on Mercury

Course Title
Special Seminar on
Food and
Health-Related
Environmental
Symbiosis

Contents
Theme 5: Applied Microbiology【Content】
From the point of view of applied microbiology, students
should consider the establishment of a Sound
Material-Cycle Society such as through the foods using
microorganisms and the control of microorganisms involvedin foods to maintain and improve the health, and theapplication of biomass resources and the synthesis ofenvironmentally-friendly materials by biotechnology.
【Instructor】
MATSUSAKI, Hiromi, Professor
Theme 6: Physiology of Human Adaptation【Content】
Students should understand the mechanism of structuraland functional alteration of body including the brain by not
only physical activity but also physical inactivity. We will
discuss about the exercise prescription and eating habits
which promote the neurogenesis effective in maintenanceand improvement of cognitive functions.
【Instructor】
MATSUMOTO, Naoyuki, Professor
Theme 7: Food Resources Safety【Content】
Students should understand the food contamination andbiological effects of chemicals derived from human activitiesor the natural environment, and consider the food safety
and risk control methods based on scientific evidence.
【Instructor】
ANAN, Yasumi, Associate Professor- 24 -

Fall 2024 Enrollment
Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarshipfor Research on Mercury

Course Title
Special ResearchContents
Students should choose the specific research task
specialized highly from the viewpoint of environmental
symbiosis study, and write PhD thesis through experiments,
investigations, and analysis.
Research 1:
Research on Marine Ecology and Environmental
Conservation
Research 2:
Research on Resource Circulation Using Unused Resources
and Energy Generation
Research 3:
Research on Behavior of Particles and Chemicals in
Atmosphere and Water
Research 4:
Research on Food, Plant Production, and Environment
Research 5:
Research on Environment-Conscious Structure
Research 6:
Research on Safety of Architectural Construction
Research 7:
Research on Continuation of Urban and Rural Area
Research 8:
Research on Environment-Conscious Residential
Environment
Research 9:
Research on Analysis and Evaluation of Food Safety
Research 10:
Research on Analysis and Evaluation of Food Preference andFunctionality
Research 11:
Research on physiology, Biochemistry, and Management ofFood and HealthResearch 12:
Applied Microbiology Research on Food, Health, andEnvironment- 25 -

Fall 2024 Enrollment
Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarshipfor Research on Mercury

Course Title
Special ResearchContents
Research 13:
Research on Clinical Medicine of Food and HealthAs for the Special Research, students can conduct
research on mercury at Collaborative Graduate School with
National Institute for Minamata Disease under the above
research projects.

- 26 -

Fall 2024 Enrollment
Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarshipfor Research on Mercury

Reference
Prefectural University of Kumamoto
International Postgraduate Scholarship for Research on Mercury

Since the adopting of the “Minamata Convention on Mercury” , theKumamoto Prefectural Government has decided to subsidize “support tofoster mercury-specialized experts” to make advanced efforts in Japan andoverseas for realization of a mercury-free environment.
In response to this, Prefectural University of Kumamoto has establisheda scholarship in 2014 sponsored by Kumamoto Prefecture to foster
international researchers in the mercury research field. This scholarship isfor our international students who will conduct specialized research on
mercury at the Collaborative Graduate School with the Prefectural
University of Kumamoto and National Institute for Minamata Disease.
Graduate School of Environmental & Symbiotic Sciences, Prefectural
University of Kumamoto is recruiting international students who conduct
research on environmental pollution and health effects of mercury at the
Collaborative Graduate School under the Scholarship for Research on
Mercury.
1 Outline of the Scholarship in 2024

(1) Eligibility
Applicants who pass the entrance examination of the PhD Program,
Graduate School of Environmental & Symbiotic Sciences, Prefectural
University of Kumamoto (Fall 2024 Enrollment), Selection Method for
Non-Japanese (Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate
Scholarship for Research on Mercury), enter the Prefectural University of
Kumamoto, and conduct research on mercury at the Collaborative Graduate
School with National Institute for Minamata Disease.

(2) Number of Scholarship Recipients
Within the limits of the budget, no more than 2 students in (1) above as
scholarship recipients(3) Amount of Scholarship①Entrance Fee ¥414,000 ②Tuition ¥535,800 ③Living Expenses¥150,000/month ④Travel Expenses up to ¥362,000 ⑤Transportation
to/from Japan up to ¥300,000 (actual expenses)- 27 -

Fall 2024 Enrollment
Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarshipfor Research on Mercury

Total: ¥3,411,800(4) Duration of Scholarship
Regular course term(5) Cancellation of Scholarship
The student is disqualified① In the event of disciplinary action under the code of the Graduate
School
② In the event of leaving school or being expelled③ In the event of death④ In the event that he/she displays inappropriate behavior such as
abandonment of the research on mercury, and the Graduate School
resolves the student is not appropriate as a scholarship student and thePresident has confirmed that resolution.
2 Selection of Applicants in 2024

(1) As for the Selection of Applicants in 2024, please refer to the Application
Guide for Admission.
(2) Entrance Examination Dates
Qualification
Screening ofApplication Period

Applicants

Entrance
Examination

Announcement of
Examination
Results

From Monday, April

From Tuesday, May

Saturday, July

Tuesday, July 16,

8 to Friday, April

7 to Friday, May

6, 20242024

12, 2024

17, 2024(3) Admission Quota: 2 students(4) Those who recommend the applicants and applicants themselves must
contact their prospective supervisor before applying and explain
adequately the contents their “Recommendation Letter” and “ResearchPlan”.
(5) The final selection will be based on the overall results of our written
examinations (English), oral examinations, interviews, and document
screening.
3 Scholarship in 2024

(1) Determination of Scholarship Students- 28 -

Fall 2024 Enrollment
Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarshipfor Research on Mercury

Applicants who pass the entrance examination of the Scholarship for
Research on Mercury for Fall Enrollment and are admitted to enter the
Graduate School of Environmental & Symbiotic Sciences will be chosen as
scholarship recipients and a “Notice of Determination for Scholarship
Recipient” will be delivered.
The scholarship amount equivalent to the items listed in (2), such as theentrance fee and tuition, is supposed to be paid to the recipient of the
Scholarship for Research on Mercury. Therefore, the recipient can use
them to pay their fees to PUK. However, payment of the scholarship issubject to prefectural approval of the budget proposal. In Case this
proposal is rejected, the full amount of the scholarship listed in (2) will not
be paid. In that case, applicants will be notified by one day prior to theentrance examination.
(2) Amount of Scholarship① Entrance Fee ¥414,000 ② Tuition ¥535,800 ③ Living Expenses¥150,000/month ④ Travel Expenses up to ¥362,000 ⑤ Transportation
to/from Japan up to ¥300,000 (actual expenses)
Total: ¥3,411,800 (maximum)
In consideration of the second half of academic year 2024, the amount willbe ¥2,063,000 (maximum).
(3) Payment of Scholarship
For the academic year 2024, the expense for transportation to Japan(actual expenses), Entrance Fee, Tuition (for fall semester), and living
expenses (for 6 months) will be paid in October (*The payment will be byinstallments in April and October in and after 2025). As for the travel
expenses, the cost calculated according to the rules governing travel
expenses by Prefectural University of Kumamoto’s will be paid monthly.
(4) Payment of Tuition
The Scholarship recipients should pay the tuition for the academic year
2024 by the prescribed way of the Office of Prefectural University of
Kumamoto, by the prescribed date. In and after 2025, the payment datesof the tuition for fall enrollment students are 2 times, at the end of April
and the end of October.

- 29 -

Graduate School of Environmental & Symbiotic Sciences(PhD Program) 2024 Fall Enrollment
Selection Method for Non-Japanese(Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarshipfor Research on Mercury)※Applicant No.

Application for Admission
DesiredStudy Field
In Roman letters

M・F

Name in full in
Native Language
Date of Birth

Year

Year

Month

Date

Age

Month

1 Graduated(Earned Degree)

National/Public/Private
Graduate School Name

2 Expected to
Graduate (Earn
Degree)Division

Eligibility
Earned Degree

Nationality

3 Others(

Master of

)

Other

Current Address

Contact
Information
When Taking
Exam
Name of
Employer（Phone no.

（Phone No.

）（Phone No.

）（Cell Phone No.

）

Occupation）

DesiredSupervisor〔Note〕Please do not write in the space ※.
Those who apply after Qualification Screening should write “Applying after individual
Qualification Screening” in “Other” in “Eligibility”.
Applicants must contact prospective supervisors before writing the “Desired Supervisor” nameand submit the Confirmation Sheet on Preliminary Consultation when applying. The actual
supervisor will be subject to change after enrollment.

Do not cut
Selection

Photo Sheet

MethodSelection Method for Non-Japanese (Special Admission Quota
International Postgraduate Scholarship for Research on Mercury)

Applicant

※
PHOTO

No.
In Roman letters

Graduate Schoolof Environmental& Symbiotic
Sciences(PhD Program)2024 Fall
Enrollment

for

Name
Year Month

Date of Birth

Date

M
F

DesiredField ofStudy

4cm×3cm, within 3months of applying,
with a full-face view
directly facing thecamera, against aplain backgroundand without a hat.
Write full name on
the back of a photo.

（Note）Please do not fill in the column ※.

Do not cut
Selection

Admission
Ticket

MethodApplicant’s

Selection Method for Non-Japanese (Special Admission Quota forInternational Postgraduate Scholarship for Research on Mercury)※No.
Graduate School ofEnvironmental &Symbiotic
Sciences(PhD Program)2024 Fall
Enrollment

In Roman letter

Name
Year

Date of Birth

Month

Date

M・F

Desired Study
Field（Note）1 Please bring this ticket to the entrance examination and put it on the desk to show to proctors.
2 Please do not fill in the area marked ※.
3 In the "Desired Field of Study" area, please fill in your preference from 1 to 13 in the "Special
Research" section of the Admission Guidelines (p. 25).

Do not cut

Graduate School of Environmental & Symbiotic Sciences(PhD Program) 2024 Fall Enrollment
Selection Method for Non-Japanese(Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarship for Research on Mercury)

Curriculum Vitae
In Roman letters

ApplicantName in full in
Native Language※

No.
Registry Records (from elementary school)

Educational
BackgroundOccupational
Experience

Year

Month

Year

Month

Year

Month

Year

Month

Year

Month

Year

Month

Year

Month

Year

Month

From

Year

Month

To

Year

Month

From

Year

Month

To

Year

Month

From

Year

Month

To

Year

Month

From

Year

Month

To

Year

Month

Re s e a r c h A c h i e ve m e n t s , Q u a l i f i c a t i o n s , a n d Re wa r d s & P u n i s h m e n t s
Year

Month

Year

Month

Year

Month

Year

Month

【Note】1 Please do not fill in the column ※.
2 Please write Occupational Experience, if you have any.
3 Please write on another paper (A4 size) いｆ you need more space.
4 This form is available for downloading from the University’s website.

Graduate School of Environmental & Symbiotic Sciences(PhD Program) 2024 Fall Enrollment
Selection Method for Non-Japanese(Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarship for Research on Mercury)

Research Plan
1. Applicant’s Name：〔Theme〕〔Summary〕※1 Please write horizontally. You may write on a word processor or by hand.
※2 This form is available for downloading from the University’s website.
※3 Please attach a detailed research plan.

PhD Program【Fall Enrollment】

Application for Qualification Screening for Applicants
Year

Month

Day

Dean, Graduate School of Environmental & Symbiotic Sciences（Applicant）
In Roman letters

Name

Year

Date of
Birth

Month

（

Day

Age）

Contact
Address
PHONE
CELL
PHONE

I would like to apply for individual Qualification Screening with a view toapplying for the Graduate School of Environmental & Symbiotic Sciences (PhD
Program) 2024 Fall Enrollment.

Graduate School of Environmental & Symbiotic Sciences (PhD Program) 2024 Fall Enrollment<For Qualification Screening>

Name

Curriculum Vitae
Educational Background (from Elementary School)
Year

Month

Year

Month

Year

Month

Year

Month

Year

Month

Year

Month

Year

Month

Year

Month
Occupational Experience

Year

Month

Year

Month

Year

Month

Year

Month

Year

Month

Year

Month

Year

Month

Year

Month

Year

Month

Year

Month

※ This form is available for downloading from the University’s website.

Graduate School of Environmental & Symbiotic Sciences (PhD Program) 2024 Fall Enrollment<For Qualification Screening>

Name
List of Achievements in Research, Education, Miscellaneous Duties, andSocial Activities
Year

Month

Research (Conference Presentation, thesis, etc)

Year

Month

Education※ This form is available for downloading from the University’s website.

Graduate School of Environmental & Symbiotic Sciences (PhD Program) 2024 Fall Enrollment<For Qualification Screening>

Name
Year

Month

Duties

Year

Month

Social Activities (NPO activities etc)

Year

Month

Others※ This form is available for downloading from the University’s website.

Graduate School of Environmental & Symbiotic Sciences(PhD Program) 2024 Fall Enrollment
Selection Method for Non-Japanese(Special Admission Quota for International Postgraduate Scholarship for Research on Mercury)

Applicant’s Name

Confirmation Sheet on Preliminary Consultation
Year

Consultation Date

Month

Date

Summary of Preliminary Consultation

I have received a preliminary consultation as above.
Desired Supervisor
SignatureSeal※1 Please attach a copy of the supervisor’s e-mail or letter to prove that you havediscussed your research plan with him or her.
※2 This form is available for downloading from the University’s website.